MFA comments on Singapore-Thai soccer match

The Straits Times, February 2, 2007



SINGAPORE'S Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has responded to Thai Minister for Tourism and Sports Dr Suvit Yodmani's comments on the security and safety of Singapore fans during the upcoming Asean Football Championship Final in Bangkok.

'The Ministry has been in contact with the Thai Embassy in Singapore. The Ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, Mr Chalermpol Thanchitt, has assured the Ministry that the Thai authorities will step up security measures for the football match,' it said in a statement on Friday.

'The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and the Singapore Embassy in Bangkok are also working closely with their Thai counterparts and the Bangkok Police on the reinforcement of security measures for the Singapore players and supporters at the stadium,' it added.

The ministry advised Singaporeans travelling to Bangkok this weekend for the match to 'stay together in groups as far as possible and to keep alert and calm at all times'.

Singaporeans are also advised to register with the Ministry through its website at www.mfa.gov.sg.

'This will enable MFA and our Embassy to contact them and render the necessary assistance in the event of an emergency.

Singaporeans requiring any assistance while in Thailand can contact its Embassy in Bangkok or the MFA Duty Officer (24-hours).

The contact details are as follows:

Ministry of Foreign AffairsTanglin, Singapore 248163Duty Officer (24-hour) Tel: 6379 8800, 6379 8855Fax: 6476 7302Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in ThailandAddress: 129 South Sathorn RoadBangkok, 10120Contact Number: 001-66-(81) 844-3580Fax Number: 001-66-(2) 286-6966Email: singemb_bkk@sgmfa.gov.sg"